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It was eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a sign or the reason of the team's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.